Customer Reviews

Exporting Business (Self-Counsel Business Series)

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I work for the Kentucky World Trade Center, and I had the opportunity to read Laurel J. Delaney's, "Start and Run a Profitable Exporting Business." I think Delaney's book is an easy and quick read that directs and leads new comers to the world of business. The book is meant for readers who have no knowledge of the business world, and the export markets. The author guides the reader step by step from building a strong foundation to executing the business plans while learning and developing cross cultural business awareness. After reading this book, most readers will have quite an understanding of what export business is all about.

The book consists of eight parts that discuss different things like globalization, setting up the business, the money needed, developing sales and distribution, cross-cultural learning, etc. I liked the way Delaney shares some of her experiences she had with starting her own business. It makes it more believable and comprehensible.

The first few chapters walk the reader through the necessary steps that need to be taken in order to start a business. The first part of the book deals with the corporate, legal and financial issues, how much money is needed to start a business, finding a product and choosing a manufacturer.

Parts two and three deal with market research and developing sales and distribution. Both these sections contain detailed information on trade shows, World Trade Center, and cross-border contacts. Transport options, pricing the product, export license requirements, and after sales service is covered in parts four and five. The last two sections of the book inform the reader about cross cultural learning, international business travel tips, cross border alliances and big emerging markets. Japan is discussed thoroughly in the last chapter as well as, the top ten emerging global business markets of the 21st century.

Something very useful, which I particularly admired, was the list of global resource centers for starting a contact list and the guidance on how to use the World Wide Web for market research. Delaney has provided the reader with various useful web sites at the back of the book, which allow the business to expand worldwide.

My firm provides help for companies interested in entering and/or expanding international trade, and this background allows me to state that Ms. Delaney's book offers clear guidance for companies interested in global business, with illustrative examples from her own career. She takes the reader from "Why should I export" to cross-border alliances in one of the most "readable" books on this topic.

In addition to excellent coverage of key topics such as translation, pricing, shipping and methods of trade finance, she also devotes a chapter on how to best use the Internet as both a research tool and as a method of promotion for your product. Also of note are the samples of a number of critical documents relating to exporting (packing list, standby letter of credit, etc.).

The insights she offers are applicable to entering any new market, and are also valuable for firms and individuals to assess how ready they are to take that big step. In fact, I have been using some of her advice and annecdotes in the newsletter we send out to our own readers.

Wow! This is a beginner's guide -- with an expert's range and scope. Intensively detailed and complete, this lively volume maps out just about everything you would want to know about international marketing. When you finish, you'll have seen what a lot of work you have ahead of you, but you'll feel like it's within your reach, step by step.

My favorite chapters were the ones focusing on preparing your product for export and on marketing a service business in another country. They really made me aware of all the details you've got to think through if you want to succeed overseas, and also of how exciting it can be -- you've really got to put yourself in the place of your customers and see through their eyes, and consider their customs, practices, and product-service needs. For me, that's the most fascinating thing about international business -- the chance to make contact with different cultures, broaden your horizons, and become a real world citizen. Also, read the special section on Japan -- makes you feel like you're there looking over Japanese shoppers' shoulders at the mall!

The chapter on after-sales service is fun, too. It talks about "shock marketing" -- the art of seizing the opportunity to pull a standout customer service coup and really put yourself ahead of the pack. Makes pitching your product and servicing your accounts sound like an adventure!

This is overall a practical, enthusiastic, and inspiring book -- you'll come away from it feeling revved up for action as if you've just walked out of a Tom Peters seminar. It's also smack up to date with chapters on the Emerging Markets and Internet commerce. If you want to poise yourself to enter the global marketplace of the 21st century, reading this book is a great place to start!

An organized presentation that encourages everyone to set their goals, do research, and keep trying until you reach your goal. Plenty of examples and real life anecdotes.

Laurel Delaney's book, "Start and Run a Profitable Exporting Business" is a one-stop reference for anyone wanting to start an export business, anyone who deals with exporters on a regular basis, and those who just want to improve their understanding of this "new" arena called the global marketplace.

Delaney has done an admirable job of covering all the bases, providing the exhaustive research that often halts budding global entrepreneurs from going beyond the "idea" phase. She tells it like it is, seemingly anticipating every question and concern. Reading this book is like having a consultant whispering in your ear at every step throughout the entrepreneurial journey.

Delaney also helps the reader navigate the complex cultural differences that an exporting business confronts. All in all, this book encourages everyone interested in succeeding in the global environment to take a chance, dig in, and move ahead.

Like a Baedecker's guide, Delaney's work maps the journey to a profitable exporting business with directness, completeness and with a sincere affection for the subject.

Ms. Delaney's book is an organized presentation of how to export, written with real-life examples and sample documentation, but also with zest and humor. The author emphasizes setting goals, doing research, and having an I CAN DO IT attitude.